Tape applying device

ABSTRACT

A device adapted for applying lengths of a supply length of tape to seal boxes driven along a path past the device as by a conveyor. The device includes two application rollers on opposite ends of a rotatable support member, one of which is initially positioned in the path for the boxes and supports an end portion of the tape adhesive side out in a position for contact by a box driven along the path, while the other is in an idle position spaced from the path. Upon such contact, the support member is retained in its initial position until the box exerts sufficient pressure to adhere the tape to its surface. Subsequently the support member rotates as the application roller initially in the path rolls over the tape being pulled from the device and applied around the periphery of the box by further movement thereof; and moves the application roller initially at the idle position into engagement with the supply length of tape. A knurled pinch roller pivotably mounted on the support member at the application roller initially in the path is biased by a spring against the end of the tape thereon prior to contact by a box, and as the application rollers revolve an identical pinch roller mounted at the application roller initially in the idle position is pivoted by a cam to afford its movement around an edge of the engaged portion of the supply length of tape and into engagement therewith. Subsequently a knife operated by movement of the box severs the tape between the application rollers to form a new end portion of the tape supply, and the application roller engaged therewith is moved into the path and carries the new end portion to the position for engagement by the next box driven past the device.

United States Patent [1 1 Collett et al.

[ Oct. 28, 1975 [54] TAPE APPLYING DEVICE [75] Inventors: Bernard H. Collett, St. Paul; Gary B. Olson, Bloomington, both of Minn.

[73] Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minn.

22 Filed: Oct. 10,1974

21 Appl.No.:513,595

Primary Examiner'Douglas J. Drummond Attorney, Agent, or FirmAlexander, Sell, Steldt & DeLaHunt 57 ABSTRACT A device adapted for applying lengths of a supply length of tape to seal boxes driven along a path past the device as by a conveyor. The device includes two application rollers on opposite ends of a rotatable support member, one of which is initially positioned in the path for the boxes and supports an end portion of the tape adhesive side out in a position for contact by a box driven along the path, while the other is in an idle position spaced from the path. Upon such contact, the support member is retained in its initial position until the box exerts sufficient pressure to adhere the tape to its surface. Subsequently the support member rotates as the application roller initially in the path rolls over the tape being pulled from the device and applied around the periphery of the box by further movement thereof; and moves the application roller initially at the idle position into engagement with the supply length of tape. A knurled pinch roller pivotably mounted on the support member at the application roller initially in the path is biased by a spring against the end of the tape thereon, prior to contact by a box, and as the application rollers revolve an identical pinch roller mounted at the application roller initially in the idle position is pivoted by a cam to afford its movement around an edge of the engaged portion of the supply length of tape and into engagement therewith. Subsequently a knife operated by movement of the box severs the tape between the application rollers to form a new end portion of the tape supply, and the application roller engaged therewith is moved into the path and carries the new end portion to the position for engagement by the next box driven past the device.

9 Claims, Drawing Figures Sheet 1 of 4 US. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 US. Patent Oct.28,1975v Sheet2of4 3,915,786

US. Patent Oct-.28,1975 Sheet40f4 3,915,786

TAPE APPLYING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to devices for applying lengths of pressure sensitive adhesive coated tape to objects. and in one aspect to such devices including means for holding the end of the tape adhesive side out on an application roller prior to contact between an object and the tape end.

2. Description of the Prior Art The art is replete with devices for applying lengths of pressure sensitive adhesive coated tape from a supply length of tape to objects driven along a predetermined path past the device. Such devices are commonly used to seal rectangular boxes filled with merchandise driven past the device by a conveyor. Typically the device includes an application member such as a roller for supporting an end of the tape, adhesive side out, in a contact position at which the tape end will be contacted by a box. Upon contact the tape end adheres to the box and the tape is pulled from the device by further movement of the box, while the application member moves along the contour of the box to guide the tape being applied. Subsequently the applied length of tape is severed from the supply length of tape while the device engages the tape adjacent the newly severed end and moves it to the contact position for contact by the next box on the conveyor.

Such devices have used various means for holding the end portion of the tape in a proper position on the application member for contact by a box driven along the conveyor. Some have used a porous application member in which a vacuum is created so that atmospheric pressure presses the tape against the application member. Others have relied on static electrical charges to adhere the tape to the application member, or have directed streams of high pressure air to press the tape against the application member. Still others have used spring fingers to hold the tape.

All of these holding means have had certain disadvantages. The devices that rely on air pressure differential require a source of high or low pressure air at the machine which is expensive and may be inconvenient. The static electrical approach may not be reliable under all atmospheric conditions, and the spring fingers sometimes adhere to the adhesive on the tape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A tape applying device according to the present invention provides a simple, effective and positive means for engaging and holding the end portion of a supply of pressure sensitive adhesive coated tape, adhesive side out, on an application member in a position so that the tape can be contacted by an object or box driven past the device. The present invention is mechanical in nature and does not require sources of high or low pressure air to effect its operation. Additionally the present invention does not require the illusive attractive forces of static electricity. While the means for engaging and holding the end of the tape in the present invention does come into contact with the adhesive coating on the tape, the device is constructed to afford separation between the holding means and the adhesive coating without excessive adhesion therebetween.

The present invention includes engagement means adapted for engagement with the adhesive surface of a length of tape supported on the application member while affording longitudinal movement of the tape relative to the engagement means. This engagement means preferably comprises a knurled pinch roller rotatably supported on a pivot frame. The engagement means is mounted for movement between (I) an engage position affording engagement with an end of the tape on the application member when the application member is positioned in the path of a box to hold an end portion of the tape in position on the application member until a box contacts the tape end portion and the tape end is pulled longitudinally from beneath the holding means and adhered to the box; and (2) a release position with the engagement means spaced from the application member, so that the engagement means can be moved around an edge of the supply length of tape as the application member moves back into engagement with the supply length of tape during the operational cycle of the device.

In a preferred embodiment the device includes two application members or rollers on opposite ends of a rotatable support member, with each of the application rollers having an associated pinch roller and pivot frame providing engagement means of the type described. In this embodiment, one application and pinch roller combination positions an end portion of the tape in a contact position where the tape will be contacted by an object or box driven past the device and, as the box moves past the device, moves along its contour to guide the tape being applied; while another application roller, which is initially spaced from the box, moves into engagement with the tape supply on the device while cam means on the device move the pinch roller associated therewith through its release position and back to its engage position around the edge of the tape supply. Subsequently severing means on the device severs the applied length from the tape supply between the application rollers, and the pinch roller at the application roller which has just engaged the tape supply holds the newly severed end portion while further rotation of the support member caused by further movement of the box moves the tape end portion to the application position ready for contact by the next box driven past the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein like numbers refer to like parts in the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a strip applying device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken approximately along lines 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 through 7 are side views of the device shown in FIG. 1 sequentially illustrating the application of a length of strip material to a box driven past the device; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken approximately along lines 8-8 in FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawing there is illustrated a tape applying device 10 according to the present invention for applying lengths of pressure sensitive adhesive coated tape from a supply length of tape 11 seriatim on the peripheries of spaced rectangular objects or boxes 14 driven along a predetermined path past the device 10.

A first length of tape can be applied by either one of a pair of application members or rollers 12. The application roller utilized is initially positioned in a contact position 13 to support an end of the supply length of tape 11 (FIG. 1) for contact by a box 14 driven along the path. Engagement means comprising a pinch roller 15 at each application roller 12 holds an end of the tape 11 on the application roller 12 in the contact position 13. The device 10 includes means for maintaining the application roller 12 in the contact position 13 until a predetermined force is applied against the tape end thereon by the box 14 to insure adhesion therebetween; and means mounting the application rollers 12 to afford subsequent movement of that application roller 12 from the contact position 13 along the periphery of the box 14 (FIGS. 4 and over the tape 11 being pulled from the device by movement of the box 14 to help guide the tape 11 onto the box 14. Further movement of the box actuates severing means including a knife blade 16 to sever the applied length of tape from the supply length 11, and the device includes means, operated by movement of the next box along the path during similar application of a second length of tape thereto by the other application roller 12 for subsequently (1) moving the application roller 12 which applied the first length of tape back into engagement with the tape supply, (2) for positioning the associated pinch roller 15 to engage and hold the engaged tape 11 against that application roller 12 while the second applied length of tape 11 is severed from the supply length, (3) for subsequently moving that application roller 12 back to the contact position 13, and (4) for positioning the pinch roller 15 on the tape 11 against that application roller 12 during such movement and at the end of the tape supply when that application roller arrives in the contact position 13 to hold the newly severed end of the supply length of tape 11 against the application roller 12 prior to contact therewith by the next box moving along the path.

The two tape application rollers 12 are rotatably mounted in axially parallel relationship at opposite ends of a support member 17. The support member 17 is mounted on a frame 18 for the device for rotational movement about an axis transverse to the path of the boxes past the device 10 and parallel to and between the axes of the application rollers 12 to afford revolution of the application rollers 12 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 4 through 7.

The frame 18 includes two parallel rectangular plates 19 which support the mechanism of the device 10 there-between. The plates 19 have parallel edges which, together with a roller 21 rotatably mounted on a shaft 22, help define the path for the boxes along one side 23 of the device 10. During the application of one length of the tape 11, one application roller 12 is revolved from the contact position 13 projecting from the side 23 of the frame 18 with a peripheral surface portion in the path and positioned to support an end portion of the tape 11 for contact by a box driven along the path, through a second position with the peripheral surface of that application roller 12 positioned to contact the surface of a box 14 contacting the side 23 of the frame 18, to an idle position 25 between the plates 19 and spaced from the path for the boxes, while the other application roller 12 is revolved from the idle position 25 to the contact position 13. The force to revolve the contact rollers 12 is provided by the means for driving 5 a box along the path. Contact between the box and tape supported on the contact roller 12 originally in the contact position 13 moves that application roller 12 to the second position, and subsequent operation of ratchet means by means for pressing the length of tape being applied into engagement with the box moves that application roller 12 on to the idle position 25 while the other roller is moved to the contact position 13, as will later be explained.

Means are provided for supporting the supply length of tape 11, for defining a tape route for the supply length of tape 11 including an arcuate tape route portion extending to an end position at which the pinch roller is mounted along the arcuate periphery of one of the application rollers 12 when that application roller 12 is in the contact position 13, and for guiding the tape 11 along that arcuate tape route portion with the adhesive coating disposed away from the application roller 12.

A hub 27 is rotatably mounted on the frame 18 and is adapted for frictionally engaging a core in a supply roll of the tape 11. From the supply roll, the tape 11 extends around a rotatably mounted guide roller 28 which contacts the adhesive coated side of the tape 11 and is adjustably frictionally braked so that the braking and adhesive contact will provide a predetermined desired tension in the tape extending beyond the guide roller 28. From the guide roller 28 the tape 11 extends around a guide bar 29 which contacts the backing on the tape when the application rollers 12 are in their contact and idle positions 13 and 25.

As can best be seen from the sequence illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the guide roller 28 and bar 29 provide means for guiding a length of tape 11 extending therebetween along a path intersecting an arcuate path traveled by one of the application rollers 12 during rotation through the second position and idle position toward the contact position 13. After the application roller 12 traveling that arcuate path contacts this intersecting length of the tape 11 (FIG. 4), the tape 11 will be guided partially around that application roller 12, and will be secured thereagainst by the associated pinch roller 15 during subsequent severing of the tape by the knife blade 16 during movement of that application roller 12 back to the contact position 13 and prior to contact therewith by the next box moved along the path.

The engagement means at the end position along each of the application rollers 12 comprises the associated pinch roller 15 which is deeply knurled about its periphery to reduce the amount of its surface which can contact the adhesive surface of the tape 11. Each pinch roller 15 is rotatably mounted on a shaft forming a portion of a pivot frame 32. Each pivot frame 32 is mounted on a shaft 33 fixed to the support member 17 for pivotal movement about an axis generally normal to the axis of the pinch roller 15 and spaced from one end thereof between (1) an engage position of the pinch roller 15 to which it is biased by a coil spring 34 coupled between the support member 17 and pivot frame 32 (see the pivot frame 32 for the application roller 12 at the contact position 13 in FIG. 1); and (2) a release position (see the pinch roller 15 for the application roller 12 at the idle position 25 in FIG. 1). In the engage position the axis of the pinch roller is generally parallel to the axis of the associated application roller 12, and the peripheral surfaces of the rollers 12 and 15 are proximate so that the knurled surface of the pinch roller 15 is biased by the spring 34 against the adhesive surface of the tape positioned on the periphery of the application roller 12 to hold the tape in position, while affording longitudinal movement of the tape between the rotatable application and pinch rollers 12 and 15. In the release position the pinch roller 15 is separated from and spaced axially from one end of the periphery of the associated application roller 12 so that the application roller 12 can be revolved into engagement with the backing of the tape 11 in a direction generally normal to the axis of the application roller 12 without interference from the pinch roller 15 or pivot frame 32.

The means for positioning the pinch rollers 15 include the springs 34 and a cam 36 mounted on the frame 18 along the arcuate path of the application rollers 12 through the idle position and toward the contact position 13. The cam 36 is adapted to engage a separate cam follower formed on an end of each of the pivot frames 32 and move the pinch roller 15 on the engaged pivot frame 32 to its release position when the pivot frame 32 is revolved past the cam 36. The cam 36 is positioned to have moved one of the pivot frames 32 to its release position as the associated application roller 12 moves into engagement with the tape 11 between the guide roller 28 and bar 29, and to allow the pivot frame 32 to return to the engage position to nip the tape 11 against that application roller 12 after it has contacted the tape 11 and prior to operation of the severing means.

The severing means for severing the applied length of tape from the supply length of tape 11 between the application rollers 12 includes a bar 38 supporting the knife blade 16 and mounted for pivotal motion about the shaft 22. The bar 38 is biased by a spring 40 toward a severed position (FIGS. 1, 6 and 7) with one end of the bar against a rubber capped stop 41 threadably adjustable 0n the frame 18, and an opposite or contact end portion 42 projecting past the side 23 of the frame 18 into the path for boxes driven past the device 10. Contact between a box driven along the path and the end portion 42 will move the bar 38 against the bias of the spring 40 to a set position at which the sharply serrated edge of the knife blade 16 is spaced from the tape su l 11 to the a lication roller 12 initially in the PP Y PP contact position as that contact roller 12 is revolved by movement of the box. Just before the trailing surface of the box moves out of engagement with the contact end portion 42 of the bar 38, the application roller 12 originally in the idle position 25 will have been revolved to contact the tape 11 in the manner previously described and change the path of the tape so that it extends between the application rollers 12 across the guide bar 29 and through opposed hook-like tape retaining fingers 44 projecting from the guide bar 29 (FIG. 8); the tension in the tape 11 provided by the friction brake and adhesive contact at the guide roller 28 having provided the force to pull the tape between the tape retaining fingers 44. As the trailing edge of the box moves out of engagement with the contact end portion 42 of the bar 38 the spring snaps the bar 38 to its severed position in contact with the stop 41 so that the knife blade 16 passes through and severs the tensioned tape in a position to provide a trailing end on the applied length of tape sufficient to extend a predetermined distance down the trailing surface of the box; and to leave the newly severed end of the supply length of tape 11 between the tape retaining fingers 44 to support it out of contact with the box.

The means for pressing an applied length of tape against a box driven along the path is of a conventional known design including first and second arcuate arms 52 and 53, each rotatably supporting a buffing roller 55 at one end. The end of the second arm 53 opposite the roller 55 is fixed on a shaft 54 pivotably mounted on the frame 18, and the corresponding end of the first arm is pivotably mounted on the shaft 54. A first coil spring 58 about the shaft 54 is connected between the first arm 52 and a collar 57 clamped on the shaft 54 to bias the first arm 52 relative to the second arm 53 and normally position bosses 56 on the arms 52 and 53 in engagement with the buffing rollers 55 thereon spaced relative to each other. A second coil spring 59 about the shaft 54 between the collar 57 and the frame 18 biases the shaft 54 and both arms 52 and 53 toward a start position defined by contact between the bosses 56 and between a projection 60 on the first arcuate arm 52 and a stop 61 on the frame 18.

In the start position the arcuate arms 52 and 53 position the buffing roller 55 on the first arcuate arm 52 between the plates 19 and spaced from the path for a box past the device 10, and position the buffing roller 55 on the second arcuate arm 53 in the path for contact by the leading surface of a box driven past the device 10 (FIGS. 1 and 4). After such contact, the second arcuate arm 53 will rotate to move with the box while the second spring 59 presses its buffing roller 55 into contact with the tape applied on the leading surface of the box. Such rotation of the second arm 53 causes the first arm 52 to rotate under the influence of the first spring 58 until its buffing roller 55 forcefully contacts the tape applied on the surface of the box along the side 23 of the device 10. The buffing roller 55 on the first arcuate arm 52 will then sequentially move along that surface and along the trailing surface of the box away from the side 23 to press the applied tape into engagement therewith under the influence of the first spring 58 while the buffing roller 55 on the second arm 53 moves sequentially along the leading surface of the box toward the side 23 and along its surface along the side 23 of the device 10. When the buffing roller 55 on the second arcuate arm 53 loses contact with the box, the second coil spring 59 returns both arcuate arms 52 and 53 to their start positions.

The means for restricting movement of the application roller 12 from the contact position until a predetermined force is applied by the box being driven past the device 10 to firmly tack the tape, and the means for completing movement of the application roller 12 originally at the idle position 25 to the contact position subsequent to severing of the applied tape by the severing means are both provided by ratchet means driven by operation of the buffing means.

The ratchet means includes an operating lever 64 pivotably mounted at a pin 65 on the frame 18, and coupled to the first arcuate arm 52 by a link 66 pivotably attached by pins 67 at its ends between the operating lever 64 and the first arm 52. A pawl arm 68 is centrally pivotably supported on the operating lever 64 at a pin 69, and rotatably supports a roller 70 at one of its ends. A plate 71, having a generally circular periphery, except for a pair of opposed notches 72 adapted to receive the roller 70, is fixed coaxially to the support member 17. A spring 73 is connected between the operating lever 64 and the end of the pawl arm 68 opposite the roller 70 to bias the roller 70 into engagement with the periphery of the plate 71. The ratchet assembly is constructed so that with the roller 70 engaged with one of the notches 72 and the second arcuate arm 53 in its start position, one of the application rollers 12 corresponding to the engaged notch 72 will be positioned in the contact position 13 (FIG. 1). Forceful en gagement of a box driven along the path with the tape on the application roller 12 in the contact position 13 will cause the roller 70 to move against the influence of the spring 73 out of the engaged notch 72 as the support member 17 starts to pivot (FIGS. 4 and 5). The contour of the notches 72 and strength of the spring 73 are selected to require a predetermined force at the application roller 12 to insure that the tape end is firmly adhered to the box prior to movement of the application roller 12 from the contact position 13.

The device also includes means for insuring that the support member 17 will not be inadvertently rotated to move one of the application rollers 12 from the contact position 13 prior to contact therewith by a box moving along the path.

A lock lever 74 is pivotably mounted on a pin 75 fixed to the frame 18, and is biased by a spring 76 in a lock position against a rubber bumper 77 on the end of a bolt adjustably fixed to the frame 18. The lock lever 74 includes a projecting block 78 which is positioned to support the end of the pawl arm 68 opposite the roller 70 when in its lock position (FIG. 1) to restrict movement of the roller 70 from the notch 72 with which it is engaged. A radiused end portion 79 of the lock lever 74 projects past the side 23 of the frame 18 and into the path for a box in advance of the application roller 12 and in a position to be contacted and ro- "tated to a release position (FIGS. 4 and 5) with the block 78 spaced from the pawl arm 68 by the surface of a box driven along the path. With the lock lever 74 thus in the release position, further movement of the box into forceful engagement with the application roller 12 affords rotation of the support arm 17 as has already been described.

Once a box driven along the path has released the lock lever 74 and moved the support member 17 to move the roller 70 from one of the notches 72 to the circular periphery of the plate 71, further rotation of the support member 17 is essentially not affected by the ratchet assembly, the rotation of the support member 17 then being restricted only by contact with the 3 box and tension in the tape being pulled through the nip between the pinch roller and application roller 12. When the buffing means is operated by further movement of the box along the path, the movement of the first arcuate arm 52 to buff the tape on the trailing surface of the box, via'the link 66 (FIGS. 6 and 7), moves the operating lever 64 and thereby the roller 70 along the periphery of the plate 71 in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the support member 17 in applying the tape. The roller is moved slightly past the next notch 72 along the periphery of the plate 71 to insure engagement therebetween. Subsequently as the box leaves the second arcuate arm 53 and the arcuate arms 52 and 53 both return to the start position under the influence of the spring 59 as has already been explained. The spring 59 via the link 66 pivots the operating lever 64 in the direction of rotation of the support member 17, causing the roller to engage the adjacent notch 72 and rotate the support member 17 with the operating lever 64 until the motion of all is stopped by coincident engagement of the first arcuate arm 52 with the stop 61 and the pawl arm 68 with the lock lever 74 which has returned to its lock position. One of the application rollers 12 is then in the contact position 13 and the device 10 is reset for application of a length of tape to the next box traveling along the path.

Operation The operation of the device 10 to apply a length of tape to a box 14 driven along the path will now be explained. As seen in FIG. 1, initially the supply length of tape 11 extends from the roll around the guide roller 28 and guide bar 29, and around a portion of the application roller 12 in the contact position 13 adhesive side out, with an end of the tape 11 under the pinch roller 15 to position an end portion of the tape on the application roller 12 for contact by the leading surface of the box 14. As the box 14 is driven on the path along the side 23 of the device 10, its leading surface will first contact the end portion 79 of the lock lever 74, rotating it to its release position with the block 78 spaced from the pawl arm 68. Next the box 14 will contact the adhesive coated surface of the tape 11 on the application roller 12 in the contact position 13, causing the support member 17 to rotate after sufficient pressure is applied to cause movement of the roller 70 on the pawl arm 68 out of the notch 72 in the plate 71 with which it was engaged (FIG. 4). As the box 14 continues to move the tape 11 will be pulled from the roll by adhesion between the tape and the box 14.

Also, since a line through the application roller 12 in the contact position 13 and axis of the support member 17 forms an acute angle with the side 23 opening toward the box 14 the application roller 12 will initially roll along the front surface of the box away from the side 23 of the device 10 pulling the end of the tape from between the pinch and application rollers 12 and 15, and smoothing it against the front surface of the box 14. After the front surface of the box passes the axis of rotation for the support member 17, the contact roller 12 will roll up the front surface of the box 14 and across its surface along the side 23 of the device over the tape being applied. Simultaneously the application roller 12 initially in the idle position 25 with the associated pinch roller 15 spaced from its periphery by contact between the cam 36 and the pivot frame 32, will move into contact with the tape between the guide roller 28 and guide bar 29 and subsequently move out of contact with the cam 36, allowing the spring 34 to move the pinch roller 15 to its engage position holding the tape 11 against the application roller 12.

Next the leading surface of the box contacts the buffing roller 55 on the second arcuate arm 53 (FIG. 5) and rotates the second arcuate arm 53 against the bias of the spring 59 causing the buffing roller 55 thereon to press the applied tape against the box 14, and allowing the spring 58 to move and bias the buffing roller 55 on the first arcuate arm 52 against the tape along the adjacent surface of the box 14. During such movement the the idle position 25 under the associated pinch roller 15, and across the tape retaining fingers 44 projecting from the bar 29 so that tension induced in the tape 11 by adhesive contact with the guide roller 28 will pull the tape between the fingers 44 (FIG. 8). As the trailing edge of the box moves from under the contact end 42 of the bar 38, the spring 40 moving the bar 38 to the stop 41 snaps the knife blade 16 through the tensioned tape 11 between the guide bar 29 and buffing roller 55 on the first arcuate arm 52. Further movement of the box 14 allows the buffing roller 55 on the first arcuate arm 52 to move down the trailing surface of the box 14 (FIG. 6) to press the tape into engagement therewith under the influence of the spring 58, with the rotation so caused pulling the operating lever 64 about the pin 65 via the link 66 to move the roller 70 to the next notch 72 around the periphery of the plate 71 (FIG. 7). Subsequently after the box moves so that the buffing roller 55 on the second arcuate arm 53 has moved along and off the trailing edge of the top surface thereof, the spring 59 moves both arcuate arms 52 and 53 back to their start position together with the operating lever 64 and engaged support member 17 to move the application roller 12 initially at the idle position 25 to the contact position 13 with the newly severed end portion of the tape 11 between it and the associated pinch roller 15, this position being established by coincident contact between the projection 60 and stop 61, and between the pawl arm 68 and block 78. The device is then ready to apply a strip to the next spaced box moving along the path. I

The present invention has now been described with reference to one preferred embodiment. It will be understood that certain modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, instead of being a knurled metal roller the pinch roller 15 may have a smooth cylindrical surface which may be defined by a polymeric material which restricts adhesion to the adhesive on the tape. The main requirement is that the surface of the pinch roller can roll along the adhesive on the tape used without excessive adhesion therebetween. The scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but is defined by the dependent claims.

We claim:

1. In a device adapted for applying lengths of pressure sensitive adhesive coated tape from a supply length of tape seriatim on the peripheries of spaced rectangular objects driven along a predetermined path in a first direction past the device, said device comprising:

a frame;

an application member having an arcuate periphery;

means adapted for defining a tape route for a said supply length of tape including an arcuate tape route portion extending to an end position along the arcuate periphery of said application member and for guiding the tape along said arcuate tape route portion with the adhesive coating disposed away from said application member;

means mounting said application member on said frame to afford movement thereof from a contact position with said arcuate tape route portion in said path to afford contact between a said length of tape disposed along said arcuate tape route portion and a said object driven along said path in said first di rection to adhere the tape to the object, to a second position to afford movement of the periphery of said application member along tape being applied to the object, and back to said' contact position; means mounted'on said frame and adapted to be activated by movement of asaid object past a predetermined position along said path for severing an applied length' of tape from said supply length; and means for securing an end portion of said supply length of tape along said arcuate tape route portion with an end of said tape at said end position when said application member is in said contact position, and for securing said supply length of tape along said arcuate tape route portion during movement of said application member back to said contact position, the improvement wherein said means for securing comprises:

a pinch roller;

a pivot frame rotatably supporting said pinch roller and mounted for pivotal movement about an axis generally normal to .the axis of said pinch roller and spaced from one end thereof to move the pinch roller between an engage position with the axis of said pinch roller generally parallel to the arcuate periphery of said application member and with the peripheral-surfaces of said pinch roller and said application member proximate to engage opposite surfaces of a said tape positioned therebetween, and a release position with the pinch roller spaced from the periphery of said application member;

means for positioning said pinch roller in the engage position at said end position when said application member is in said contact position; and

means for moving said pinch roller to the release position and around the edge of a said supply length of tape along said tape route, and subsequently to the engage position with the pinch roller in engagement with the supply length of tape on the periphery of said application member during movement of said application member from said contact position through said second position and back to said contact position.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said application member is one of a plurality of application members,

said mounting means supports said application members in spaced relationship for revolution in one direction seriatim from said contact portion through said second position and back to said contact position;

said device comprises a said pinch roller and pivot frame associated with each of said application members;

said means for positioning comprises means for individually biasing each of said pinch rollers to the engage position;

said means for moving said pinch roller includes cam means for moving any one of said pinch rollers to the release position during movement of the application member associated therewith through a predetermined arc; and

said means adapted for defining atape route includes means for positioning said supply length of tape for contact by the arcuate periphery on one of the application members during movement thereof through said predetermined arc.

3. A device according to claim lfwherein said means for positioning comprises means for biasing said pivot frame toward said engaged position and said means for moving comprises cam means for moving said pinch roller to the release position and affording movement thereof back to the engage position during movement of said application member through said second position and back toward said contact position.

4. A device according to claim 2, wherein said device further includes means mounted on said frame for pressing an applied length of tape into engagement with an object moved along said path comprising a pressure roller, an arm pivotably mounting said pressure roller for movement from a first position with said pressure roller positioned to contact an object moving along said path subsequent to contact therewith by one of said application members and to afford movement of said pressure roller along a length of tape applied to said object, means for biasing said arm towards the first position of said pressure roller, and a ratchet mechanism coupled between said arm and said support member adapted to rotate one of said application members from said second position to an idle position along said are and spaced from said path, and to rotate the other of said application members to said contact position upon return movement of said arm to the first position of said pressure roller under the influence of said arm biasing means subsequent to contact between said pressure roller and an object driven along said path.

5. A device adapted for applying lengths of pressure sensitive adhesive coated tape from a supply length of tape seriatim on the peripheries of spaced rectangular objects driven along a predetermined path past the device, said device comprising:

a frame;

two application members each having an arcuate periphery adapted to support said tape; means on said frame adapted for defining a tape route for a said supply length of tape including an arcuate tape route portion extending along the periphery of each of said application members to an end position, and for guiding the tape along said arcuate tape route portions with the adhesive coating disposed away from the application members;

means for supporting said application members for revolution thereof seriatim in one direction from a contact position with the portion of said arcuate periphery along said arcuate tape route portion disposed in said path to afford contact of a said length of tape thereon by a said object driven along said path, through a second position to afford movement of the periphery of said application member along tape being applied to the object and back to said contact position;

means for retaining either of said application members in said contact position until a predetermined force is applied by a said object to move the application member toward the second position, thereby adhering the tape to the object;

means included in said tape route defining means for guiding a portion of said supply length of tape for engagement by the arcuate periphery at said end position of one of said application members during movement thereof through said second position and back toward said contact position;

means at each of said application members adapted for engagement with the adhesive surface of a said tape while affording longitudinal movement thereof relative to said engagement means;

means mounting each of said engagement means at its associated application member for independent movement between an engage position in engagement with said tape at said end position along said arcuate periphery, and a release position with said engagement means spaced from the periphery of said application member;

means for positioning said engagement means in said contact position on either of the application members when that application member is in the contact position;

means adapted for moving the engagement means at either of the application members to the release position and around the edge of a said supply length of tape as that application member engages it, and for subsequently moving the engagement means to the engage position in engagement with the supply length of tape on the arcuate periphery of that application member during movement thereof back toward said contact position; and means mounted on said frame and adapted to be activated by movement of a said object past a predetermined position along said path for severing an applied length of tape from said supply length between said application members subsequent to said movement of the engagement means to the engage position during movement of the associated application member back toward the contact position.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said means at each of said application members adapted for engagement with the adhesive surface of a said tape comprises a pinch roller, and a pivot frame rotatably supporting said pinch roller;

said means mounting each of said engagement means comprise means for mounting each of said pivot frames adjacent a different one of said application members for pivotal movement about an axis gen erally normal to the axis of said pinch roller and spaced from one end thereof between said engage position with the axis of said pinch roller generally parallel to the arcuate periphery of said application member and with the peripheral surfaces of said pinch roller and said application member proximate to engage opposite surfaces of a said tape positioned therebetween, and said release position with the pinch roller spaced from one edge of the periphery of said application roller;

said means for positioning said engagement means comprise means for biasing said pivot frame toward said engage position; and

said means for moving comprise cam means for moving said pivot frame to the release position and for subsequently allowing return movement of said pivot frame to the engage position under the influence of said biasing means during movement of said application member from said contact position through said second position and back toward said contact position.

7. A device according to claim 5, wherein said device further includes means mounted on said frame for pressing an applied length of tape into engagement with an object moved along said path comprising a pressure roller, an arm pivotably mounting said pressure roller for movement from a first position with said pressure roller positioned to contact an object moving along said path subsequent to contact therewith by one of said application members and to afford movement of said pressure roller along a length of tape applied to said object, means for biasing said arm towards the first posi tion of said pressure roller, and a ratchet mechanism coupled between said arm and said support member adapted to rotate one of said application members from said second position to an idle position along said are and spaced from said path, and to rotate the other of said application member to said contact position upon return movement of said arm to the first position of said pressure roller under the influence of said arm biasing means subsequent to contact between said pressure roller and an object driven along said path.

8. A device adapted for applying lengths of pressure sensitive adhesive coated tape from a supply length of tape seriatim on the peripheries of spaced objects driven along a predetermined path past the device, said device comprising:

a frame;

two application rollers each having a cylindrical periphery adapted to support said tape;

means on said frame adapted for defining a tape route for a said supply length of tape including an arcuate tape route portion extending along the periphery of each of said application rollers to an end position, and for guiding the tape along said arcuate tape route portions with the adhesive coating disposed away from the application rollers;

a support member rotatably supporting said application rollers in axially parallel relationship, said arcuate tape route portion about each of said application rollers being defined relative to said support member, said support member being mounted on said frame for rotation about an axis transverse to said path and parallel to and spaced from the axes of said application rollers to afford revolution of said rollers seriatim in a first direction from a contact position with the portion of said cylindrical periphery along said arcuate tape route portion disposed in said path to afford contact of a said length of tape thereon by a said object driven along said path to adhere the tape to the object, through a second position to afford movement of the periphery of said application member along tape being applied to the object and back to said contact position along a predetermined arc relative to said frame;

means for retaining said support member with either of said application rollers in said contact position until a predetermined force is applied by a said object to move the application roller toward the second position, thereby adhering the tape to the object;

means included in said tape route defining means for guiding a portion of said supply length of tape along a route portion intersecting said predetermined arc during movement of one of said application rollers along said are; and

means at each of said application rollers adapted for holding the supply length of tape against the periphery of said application roller, comprising:

a pinch roller;

a pivot frame rotatably supporting said pinch roller and mounted on said support member for pivotal movement about an axis generally normal to the axis of said pinch roller and spaced from one end thereof between an engage position with the axis of the pinch roller generally parallel to the axis of the application roller and the peripheral surfaces of the rollers proximate at said end position to engage opposite surfaces of a said tape positioned therebetween, and a release position with the pinch roller spaced axially from one end of the periphery of said application roller; and

means for biasing said pivot frame toward said engaged position;

a cam mounted on said frame shaped and positioned for engagement with either of said pivot frames during movement of the application roller associated therewith through said second position to the contact position to move the engaged pivot frame to the release position during movement of the associated application roller through said predetermined arc to afford movement of the pinch roller around the edge of a said intersecting length of tape and to subsequently afford movement of the pivot frame to the engage position under the influence of said biasing means to engage said intersecting length of tape prior to movement of the associated application roller into the contact position;

means mounted on said frame and adapted for activation by the movement of an object driven along the path for severing said tape between said application rollers subsequent to engagement between the pinch roller along said predetermined arc and the length of said tape supply intersecting said arc.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein said device further includes means mounted on said frame for pressing an applied length of tape into engagement with an object moved along said path comprising a pressure roller, an arm pivotably mounting said pressure roller for movement from a first position with said pressure roller positioned to contact an object moving along said path subsequent to contact therewith by one of said apsure roller along a length of tape applied to said object, means for biasing said arm towards the first position of said roller, and a ratchet mechanism coupled between said arm and said support member adapted to rotate one of said application rollers from said second position to an idle position along said are and spaced from said path, and to rotate the other of said application rollers to said contact position upon return movement of said arm to the first position of said pressure roller under the influence of said arm biasing means subsequent to contact between said pressure roller and an object driven along said path.

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,915,786

DATED October 28, 1975 INVENTOWS) 1 Bernard H. Collett and Gary B. Olson It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the Claims C01, 1 4, line 4 4, after "ap-" insert plicacion rollers and to afford movement of said pres- Signed and Sealed this tenth Day Of February 1976 [SEAL] Artesz:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresu'ng Officer (ummissiunor uj'Parenls and Trademarks 

1. IN A DEVICE ADAPTED FOR APPLYING LENGTHS OF PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE COATED TAPE FROM A SUPPLY LENGTH OF TAPE SERIATIM ON THE PERIPHERIES OF SPACED RECTANGULAR OBJECTS DRIVEN ALONG A PREDETERMINED PATH IN A FIRST DIRECTION PAST THE DEVICE, SAID DEVICE COMPRISING: A FRAME, AN APPLICATION MEMBER HAVING AN ARCUATE PERIPHERY, MEANS ADAPTED FOR DEFINING A TAPE ROUTE FOR A SULLPY LENGTH OF TAPE INCLUDING AN ARCUATE TAPE ROUTE PORTION EXTENDING TO AN END POSITION ALONG THE ARCUATE PERIPHERY OF SAID APPLICATION MEMBER AND FOR GUIDING THE TAPE ALONG SAID ARCUATE TAPE ROUTE PORTION WITH THE ADHESIVE COATING DISPOSED AWAY FROM SAID APPLICATION MEMBER, MEANS MOUNTING SAID APPLICATION MEMBER ON SAID FRAME TO AFFORD MOVEMENT THEREOF FROM A CONTACT POSITION WITH SAID ARCUATE TAPE ROUTE PORTION IN SAID PATH TO AFFORD CONTACT BETWEEN A SAID LENGTH OF TAPE DISPOSED ALONG SAID ARCUATE TAPE ROUTE PORTION AN A SAID OBJECT DRIVEN ALONG SAID PATH IN SAID FIRST DIRECTION TO ADHERE THE TAPE TO THE OBJECT, TO A SECOND POSITION TO AFFORD MOVEMENT OF THE PERIPHERY OFSAID APPLICATION MEMBER ALONG TAPE BEING APPLIED TO THE OBJECT, AN BACK TO SAID CONTACT POSITION, MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME AND ADAPTED RTO BE ACTIVATED BY MOVEMENT OF A SAID OBJECT PAST A PREDETERMINED POSITION ALONG SAID PATH FOR SEVERING AN APPLIED LENGTH OF TAPE FROM SAID SUPPLY LENGTH, AND MEANS FOR SECURING AN END PORTION OF SAID SUPPLY LENGTH OF TAPE ALONG SAID ARCUATE TAPE ROUTE PORTION WITH AN END OF SAID TAPE AT SAID END POSITION WHEN SAID APPLICATION MEMBER IS IN SAID CONTACT POSITION, AND FOR SECURING SAID SUPPLY LENGTH OF TAPE ALONG SAID ARCUATE TAPE ROUTE PORTION DURING MOVEMENT OF SAID APPLICATION MEMBER BACK TO SAID CONTACT POSITION, THE IMPROVEMENT WHEREIN SAID MEANS FOR SECURING COMPRISES: A PINCH ROLLER, A PIVOT FRAME ROTATABLY SUPPORTING SAID PINCH ROLLER AND MOUNTED FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT ABOUT AN AXIS GENERALLY NORMAL TO THE AXIS OF SAID PINCH ROLLER AND SPACED FROM ONE END THEREOF TO MOVE THE PINCH ROLLER BETWEEN AN ENGAGE POSITION WITH THE AXIS OF SAID PINCH ROLLER GENERALLY PARALLEL TO THE ARCULATE PERIPHERY OF SAID APPLICATION MEMBER AND WITH THE PERIPHERAL SURFACES OF SAID PINCH ROLLER AND SAID APPLICATION MEMBER PROXIMATE TO ENGAGE OPPOSITE SURFACES OF A SAID TAPE POSITIONED THEREBETWEEN, AND A RELEASE POSITION WITH THE PINCH ROLLER SPACED FROM THE PERIPHERY OF SAID APPLICATION MEMBER, MEANS FOR POSITIONING SAID PINCH ROLLER IN THE ENGAGE POSITION AT SAID END POSITION WHEN SAID APPLICATION MEMBER IS IN SAID CONTACT POSITION, AND MEANS FOR MOVING SAID PINCH ROLLER TO THE RELEASE POSITION AND AROUND THE EDGE OF A SAID SUPPLY LENGTH OF THE TAPE ALONG SAID TEPINCH ROLLER IN ENGAGEMENT WITH THESUPPLY WITH THE PINCH ROLLER IN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SUPPLY LENGTH OF TAPE ON THE PERIPHERY OF SAID APPLICATION MEMBER DURING MOVEMENT OF SAID APPLICATION MEMBER FROM SAID CONTACT POSITION THROUGH SAID SECOND POSITION AND BACK TO SAID CONTACT POSITION.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said application member is one of a plurality of application members, said mounting means supports said application members in spaced relationship for revolution in one direction seriatim from said contact portion through said second position and back to said contact position; said device comprises a said pinch roller and pivot frame associated with each of said application members; said means for positioning comprises means for individually biasing each of said pinch rollers to the engage position; said means for moving said pinch roller includes cam means for moving any one of said pinch rollers to the release position during movement of the application member associated therewith through a predetermined arc; and said means adapted for defining a tape route includes means for positioning said supply length of tape for contact by the arcuate periphery on one of the application members during movement thereof through said predetermined arc.
 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said means for positioning comprises means for biasing said pivot frame toward said engaged position and said means for moving comprises cam means for moving said pinch roller to the release position and affording movement thereof back to the engage position during movement of said application member through said second position and back toward said contact position.
 4. A device according to claim 2, wherein said device further includes means mounted on said frame for pressing an applied length of tape into engagement with an object moved along said path comprising a pressure roller, an arm pivotably mounting said pressure roller for movement from a first position with said pressure roller positioned to contact an object moving along said path subsequent to contact therewith by one of said application members and to afford movement of said pressure roller along a length of tape applied to said object, means for biasing said arm towards the first position of said pressure roller, and a ratchet mechanism coupled between said arm and said support member adapted to rotate one of said application members from said second position to an idle position along said arc and spaced from said path, and to rotate the other of said application members to said contact position upon return movement of said arm to the first position of said pressure roller under the influence of said arm biasing means subsequent to contact between said pressure roller and an object driven along said path.
 5. A device adapted for applying lengths of pressure sensitive adhesive coated tape from a supply length of tape seriatim on the peripheries of spaced rectangular objects driven along a predetermined path past the device, said device comprising: a frame; two application members each having an arcuate periphery adapted to support said tape; means on said frame adapted for defining a tape route for a said supply length of tape including an arcuate tape route portion extending along the periphery of each of said application members to an end position, and for guiding the tape along said arcuate tape route portions with the adhesive coating disposed away from the application members; means for supporting said application members for revolution thereof seriatim in one direction from a contact position with the portion of said arcuate periphery along said arcuate tape route portion disposed in said path to afford contact of a said length of tape thereon by a said object driven along said path, through a second position to afford movement of the periphery of said application member along tape being applied to the object and back to said contact position; means for retaining either of said application members in said contact position until a predetermined force is applied by a said object to move the application member toward the second position, thereby adhering the tape to the object; means included in said tape route defining means for guiding a portion of said supply length of tape for engagement by the arcuate periphery at said end position of one of said application members during movement thereof through said second position and back toward said contact position; means at each of said application members adapted for engagement with the adhesive surface of a said tape while affording longitudinal movement thereof relative to said engagement means; means mounting each of said engagement means at its associated application member for independent movement between an engage position in engagement with said tape at said end position along said arcuate periphery, and a release position with said engagement means spaced from the periphery of said application member; means for positioning said engagement means in said contact position on either of the application members when that application member is in the contact position; means adapted for moving the engagement means at either of the application members to the release position and around the edge of a said supply length of tape as that application member engages it, and for subsequently moving the engagement means to the engage position in engagement with the supply length of tape on the arcuate periphery of that application member during movement thereof back toward said contact position; and means mounted on said frame and adapted to be activated by movement of a said object past a predetermined position along said path for severing an applied length of tape from said supply length between said application members subsequent to said movement of the engagement means to the engage position during movement of the associated application member back toward the contact position.
 6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said means at each of said application members adapted for engagement with the adhesive surface of a said tape comprises a pinch roller, and a pivot frame rotatably supporting said pinch roller; said means mounting each of said engagement means comprise means for mounting each of said pivot frames adjacent a different one of said application members for pivotal movement about an axis generally normal to the axis of said pinch roller and spaced from one end thereof between said engage position with the axis of said pinch roller generally parallel to the arcuate periphery of said application member and with the peripheral surfaces of said pinch roller and said application member proximate to engage opposite surfaces of a said tape positioned therebetween, and said release position with the pinch roller spaced from one edge of the periphery of said application roller; said means for positioning said engagement means comprise means for biasing said pivot frame toward said engage position; and said means for moving comprise cam means for moving said pivot frame to the release position and for subsequently allowing return movement of said pivot frame to the engage position under the influence of said biasing means during movement of said application member from said contact position through said second position and back toward said contact position.
 7. A device according to claim 5, wherein said device further includes means mounted on said frame for pressing an applied length of tape into engagement with an object moved along said path comprising a pressure roller, an arm pivotably mounting said pressure roller for movement from a first position with said pressure roller positioned to contact an object moving along said path subsequent to contact therewith by one of said application members and to afford movement of said pressure roller along a length of tape applied to said object, means for biasing said arm towards the first position of said pressure roller, and a ratchet mechanism coupled between said arm and said support member adapted to rotate one of said application members from said second position to an idle position along said arc and spaced from said path, and to rotate the other of said application member to said contact position upon return movement of said arm to the first position of said pressure roller under the influence of said arm biasing means subsequent to contact between said pressure roller and an object driven along said path.
 8. A device adapted for applying lengths of pressure sensitive adhesive coated tape from a supply length of tape seriatim on the peripheries of spaced objects driven along a predetermined path past the device, said device comprising: a frame; two application rollers each hAving a cylindrical periphery adapted to support said tape; means on said frame adapted for defining a tape route for a said supply length of tape including an arcuate tape route portion extending along the periphery of each of said application rollers to an end position, and for guiding the tape along said arcuate tape route portions with the adhesive coating disposed away from the application rollers; a support member rotatably supporting said application rollers in axially parallel relationship, said arcuate tape route portion about each of said application rollers being defined relative to said support member, said support member being mounted on said frame for rotation about an axis transverse to said path and parallel to and spaced from the axes of said application rollers to afford revolution of said rollers seriatim in a first direction from a contact position with the portion of said cylindrical periphery along said arcuate tape route portion disposed in said path to afford contact of a said length of tape thereon by a said object driven along said path to adhere the tape to the object, through a second position to afford movement of the periphery of said application member along tape being applied to the object and back to said contact position along a predetermined arc relative to said frame; means for retaining said support member with either of said application rollers in said contact position until a predetermined force is applied by a said object to move the application roller toward the second position, thereby adhering the tape to the object; means included in said tape route defining means for guiding a portion of said supply length of tape along a route portion intersecting said predetermined arc during movement of one of said application rollers along said arc; and means at each of said application rollers adapted for holding the supply length of tape against the periphery of said application roller, comprising: a pinch roller; a pivot frame rotatably supporting said pinch roller and mounted on said support member for pivotal movement about an axis generally normal to the axis of said pinch roller and spaced from one end thereof between an engage position with the axis of the pinch roller generally parallel to the axis of the application roller and the peripheral surfaces of the rollers proximate at said end position to engage opposite surfaces of a said tape positioned therebetween, and a release position with the pinch roller spaced axially from one end of the periphery of said application roller; and means for biasing said pivot frame toward said engaged position; a cam mounted on said frame shaped and positioned for engagement with either of said pivot frames during movement of the application roller associated therewith through said second position to the contact position to move the engaged pivot frame to the release position during movement of the associated application roller through said predetermined arc to afford movement of the pinch roller around the edge of a said intersecting length of tape and to subsequently afford movement of the pivot frame to the engage position under the influence of said biasing means to engage said intersecting length of tape prior to movement of the associated application roller into the contact position; means mounted on said frame and adapted for activation by the movement of an object driven along the path for severing said tape between said application rollers subsequent to engagement between the pinch roller along said predetermined arc and the length of said tape supply intersecting said arc.
 9. A device according to claim 8, wherein said device further includes means mounted on said frame for pressing an applied length of tape into engagement with an object moved along said path comprising a pressure roller, an arm pivotably mounting said pressure roller for movement from a first position with said pressure roller positioned to contact an object moving aloNg said path subsequent to contact therewith by one of said application rollers and to afford movement of said pressure roller along a length of tape applied to said object, means for biasing said arm towards the first position of said roller, and a ratchet mechanism coupled between said arm and said support member adapted to rotate one of said application rollers from said second position to an idle position along said arc and spaced from said path, and to rotate the other of said application rollers to said contact position upon return movement of said arm to the first position of said pressure roller under the influence of said arm biasing means subsequent to contact between said pressure roller and an object driven along said path. 